From the eighth wonder of the world there was only a reproduction, and memories

April 12 2006

06:21

The fate of the original "Amber Room" for too long nothing has been known to continue to believe in its existence. Unfortunately, this conclusion comes even experts who think that this masterpiece of world art, most likely lost forever. And the miracle is unlikely to happen.

As noted by Deputy Chief Rosokhrankultura Anatoly Vilkov, amber , like any other fairly brittle material is exposed to time and destruction. The resin from which was carved royal chambers and the time of her disappearance as a result of natural causes could decompose.

However, some Russian experts believe that the unique work of art (estimated at more than $ 140 million) have died even sooner. Room could be burned for transportation to Germany in the 40's. The basis for this view is evidence of a German officer, responsible for delivering the precious "cargo" from the Soviet Union. It was he told that the room was burned, along with the castle, where she was, as a result of air strikes.

One way or another, but researchers are skeptical that the mystery of the disappearance of the Amber Room will ever be disclosed until the end.

As you know, to this day a miracle survived only panels and chest from the most famous room, which, apparently, will remain forever - a ghostly and mysterious.

Meanwhile, a certain irony in the history of the royal room - a real masterpiece of baroque - began in Prussia. Emperor Peter I became interested in an unusual piece of art, all made of yellow amber, which could become a worthy showpiece for creating cabinet of curiosities. In 1716 King Friedrich Wilhelm I as a gift presented to the Amber Room to Tsar Peter I.

Contrary to popular belief, the Amber Room has never been mounted during the life of the emperor. Moreover, in connection with the reconstruction of the palace it was repeatedly transferred from one place to another. It was collected only in 1746, and served for official receptions. Remarkable fact: shortly before Frederick II gave Empress Elizabeth been absent from the fourth frame for completion.

In 1763, by order of Empress Catherine II in the design of the Amber Room have been some changes. As a result, became a landmark in 1770, when all the work on the creation of the Amber Room was finally completed. Room gained its final form, which later was caught in numerous photos.

In the XIX century, the fragile amber headdress survived three restoration. Minor remedial works were carried out in 30 of the last century. Carrying out a major restoration planned for 1941. But soon World War II began, and the Amber Room had disappeared ...

In 2000, the German authorities gave the Russian side of the individual frescoes and other furniture royal room, they managed to find as a result of its own investigation into her disappearance. Overall, however, lasted for many decades, the search may have failed.

Its historical role played by black and white photographs in which restorers managed to recreate the unique look of the famous Amber Room. Works in Tsarskoe Selo was begun in 1979.Official opening of the "copy" was held on May 31, 2003 during the celebration of 300 anniversary of St. Petersburg.

At the same time, few people know that in a small village Klyaynmahnov, located between Berlin and Potsdam Teltow canal, there is another copy of the royal room - miniature, modeled after the original of all of the same Prussian amber.